Ways to Save (Even on Vacation)

June kicks off the summer and vacations are just around the corner for most of our members. Whether it’s just a weekend away or a longer trip, there are ways you can save energy and money while you’re gone.

Here are some savings ideas: • Set your AC thermostat to 80 degrees.• Turn off all ceiling fans – remember, fans cool people, but not rooms.• Turn your water heater off. These appliances are insulated to keep the water temperature warm. Most of them do not take more than 20 minutes to reheat water.• Make sure all unnecessary appliances are turned off or unplugged.• Close your blinds to keep direct sunlight from heating your home. It’s not only important to conserve energy and money during that vacation,

it is also important to implement some safety measures if you happen to be out of town. Here are some safety precautions you might consider:• Let the sheriff’s department know – most of them will send a patrol car out to periodically check on your home. 70608001• Only let close friends or family know you won’t be home.• Don’t post pictures of all of your fun on social media until you have returned home.• Lock and deadbolt all outside buildings. Put away your tools and other valuables in the yard.• Consider having WFEC install a yard light for nighttime visibility. A well-lit home could deter thieves.• Ask trusted neighbors to keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles.• Close your blinds to keep strangers from looking in.• Have a friend pick up your mail and move those postal packages from the front porch. You can also place a hold on your mail at www.usps.com for extended trips.

Finally, if your home is the vacation destination for the grandchildren (Grand Camp), use their visits as opportunities to teach them about energy efficiency. Teach them to:

• Turn off lights, fans and televisions when they leave a room.• Not to adjust the AC thermostat without an adult’s permission.• Don’t leave the refrigerator or freezer door open.• Reuse the same pool towel throughout the day so the washing machine won’t have to run as much.•Don’t leave the slip and slide on while coming inside for lunch or a snack.• Close doors.

We hope these safety ideas will be easy to implement and remember. Let’s power savings together by using less and saving more. We value your membership. We value you.

Energy Efficiency Tip

Prep your house for winter or summer weather with caulk & weather stripping.